The Batavia Rotary Club is participating in the “Shoes for Orphan Souls” project in conjunction with Buckner International and other Rotary clubs across the world. The collection deadline is Thursday, April 18.

“This is a shoe drive for children and teenagers,” said David Phaneuf, past president of the Batavia Rotary Club and shoe drive chairperson. “All shoes must be new and range from children’s size 4 to adult size 7.”

This drive will help children receive a new pair of shoes in continents such as Africa, Asia, North America and South America.

Other items that are being collected are new socks and new shoestrings. These items must be in their original packages. Shoes must be new and can be tied together by the strings; they will not be shipped in their boxes, to save on shipping costs.

Donations can be dropped off at the Clermont Family YMCA, 2075 James E. Sauls Sr. Drive, Batavia near State Route 32. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m. Donations will also be accepted at the Thomas A. Wildey Center, 2040 US Highway 50, one mile west of Owensville between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Monetary donations may be given in lieu of shoes. Checks should be made out to the Batavia Rotary Club and will be accepted at the two drop-off locations.